TGA-Listed Zinc Sunscreen: What the Label Actually Means for Your Skin

September 19, 2026

When checking sunscreen you might look for broad-spectrum protection or scan the ingredients. But have you ever noticed the little AUST L number on your sunscreen and wondered what it actually means?

In Australia, sunscreen is taken seriously,  and for good reason. Many sunscreens designed primarily to protect your skin from UV radiation are regulated as therapeutic goods by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

So, when you see that AUST L number, here’s what it actually tells you.

What does TGA-listed actually mean?

Most therapeutic sunscreens sold in Australia are included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) as listed medicines.

If your sunscreen has an AUST L number, it means the product is listed on the ARTG and regulated by the TGA.

To list a therapeutic sunscreen, the product sponsor must certify that it meets the relevant Australian requirements around safety, quality and efficacy. This includes requirements around permitted ingredients, manufacturing, testing, labelling and the claims made about the sunscreen.

It’s a small number on the bottle, but it tells you your sunscreen sits within Australia’s regulatory framework for therapeutic sunscreens.

Does TGA-listed mean TGA-approved?

This is where things can get a little confusing.

TGA-listed and TGA-approved aren’t quite the same thing.

Listed therapeutic sunscreens aren't individually evaluated by the TGA before they reach the shelf. Instead, the sponsor legally certifies that the product meets the applicable requirements and holds the evidence needed to support its claims.

The TGA then monitors therapeutic sunscreens on the market and can conduct compliance reviews, laboratory testing or take regulatory action if an issue arises.

So rather than looking for the words “TGA approved”, look for the sunscreen’s AUST number.

What about the ingredients that aren't on the label?

Here's something many people don't realise: Australian sunscreen labels don't necessarily show every ingredient in the formula.

While active sunscreen ingredients must be declared, you may not see a complete ingredient list on the pack in the same way you would expect with many cosmetic products.

The good news is that you can find more information through the TGA's public ARTG database.

Simply search using the AUST L number printed on your sunscreen. This will bring up the product's ARTG entry, where you can view information about the ingredients included in the sunscreen.

At Wotnot, we believe you should be able to easily see what you're putting on your skin, which is why we choose to list our ingredients on our packaging.

What else should you look for on the label?

That little AUST L number is only one part of choosing your sunscreen. Your label can tell you a lot about what you're putting on your skin.

Look for:

• Broad-spectrum protection — meaning protection against both UVA and UVB radiation.
• SPF30 or higher — the TGA recommends SPF30 or above for protection from UV damage.
• Active ingredients — if you prefer mineral protection, look for zinc oxide.
• Directions for use — because even a great sunscreen needs to be applied generously and reapplied as directed to do its job.

Where does zinc fit in?

If you're looking for a mineral sunscreen, zinc oxide is an active UV-filtering ingredient you'll commonly see on the label.

At Wotnot, we use non-nano zinc oxide as the foundation of our Zinc Shield, providing broad-spectrum mineral protection designed to fit into everyday life.

Because for us, choosing sunscreen isn't only about the SPF number on the front. It's also about understanding what you're putting on your skin and finding a formula you'll genuinely want to use every day.

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